I think like you say, Jimi, the bottom line is when you find a guitar that feels like that to very experienced hands and sensibilities like yours, then there is something special going on there. It wouldn't happen in the same way for someone like me, at my level of playing. it's great that it was attainable for you at this point and not completely just out of reach - you would have been pining for it for the rest of your life! Happy playing!
"GAS never sleeps" - Gil Janus
"Now you got to pay your dues. Get that axe and play the blues." - Spudman
Gear: Epiphone Sheraton II, Epiphone Wildkat, Epiphone Emperor Joe Pass, Fender MIM Strat, Tacoma DR-14, Johnson JR-200 resonator; Fender Super Champ XD amp